Overview
This gorgeous instrument features a classic Black Panther maple shell with built-in walnut sound rings and a magnificently grained, hand selected elm exterior ply for exquisite beauty. The beautiful hand selected elm wood grain is emphasized by the high gloss clear coat lacquer finish.
The 4-ply walnut sound rings add additional roundness and darkness to the tone of the drum.
This drum includes a Black Panther Deluxe Padded Carrying Bag.
Some sources suggest that only 50 of these were ever made, but I can't find anything authoritative from Mapex themselves to support that...yet. Certainly they are pretty rare - I've been trying to track one down for over a decade!! Update September 2024 - found one at last! It's the one in the main picture and it's even prettier in real life than in photos.
This is the Mapex press release from January 2009
Mapex USA introduced the Black Panther Special Edition Elm Snare Drum. The 14 x 5.5 uses a revolutionary shell construction to achieve its unique tonal qualities. At the heart of the drum is a 6.1mm Maple shell with an exterior ply of exquisite hand-selected elm, finished in a high-gloss clear lacquer finish to accentuate its beautiful wood grain.
Additionally the drum is designed with a 3.4mm thick walnut sound ring at the top and bottom edge of the shell. These sound rings add roundness and darkness to the sound of the drum. The result is a tone that is unmatched by any other drum on the market.
The Special Edition Elm Snare comes with die cast hoops and a fully adjustable Black Panther throw-off. The drum’s hardware is plated in black chrome, to give the instrument an even more dramatic appearance. The drum also features high-quality Remo Ambassador heads and a 20-strand snare.
Quantities of this snare drum will be limited. Like all Black Panther Special Edition Models, the drum comes with a durable, padded Black Panther Deluxe Carrying Bag. MSRP for the Special Edition Elm Snare (BPLM4550BXN) is $744.99.
Main photo and similar is in my personal collection. Other photos courtesy of Morgan Deveny and Warren Armstrong (credited on their individual images) and Juan Palesama (the other images and videos). Thanks a million and Muchas Gracias guys!
